Trails in Virginia: For recreation, security, and transportation

Trails in Virginia: For recreation, security, and transportation

Date published: 11/18/2009

Trails in Virginia: For recreation, security, and transportation

In 1979, a Trail Legislative Package was formulated in Fairfax County, sponsored in the Virginia General Assembly by state Sen. Charles Waddell, and signed into law by Gov. John N. Dalton.

This legislation enables every city, town, and county in the commonwealth to plan for multi-use trails for walking, biking, and equestrian use.

As a result, Fairfax County has 1,400 miles of trails on its master plan. Manuals and maps were prepared by citizen committees in every district. An official position of trail coordinator for Fairfax County was created.

This came about after residents realized that "unofficial trails" were being paved over with development. It wasn't an easy road, but with the encouragement of the Northern Virginia Park Authority and the Fairfax County Park Authority, lobbying became effective.

This legislative package became a model for the East Coast.

Slide series were developed, showing examples of multi-use trail systems in other areas of the country and their importance to those communities.

It was that presentation that finally sold the concept to planners in Fairfax and to state legislators. (The series can be purchased via Video Velocity, Virginia City, Nev.)

Unless multi-use trails are part of a comprehensive master plan, once the land is developed the opportunity is gone.

Multi-use trails are not only important as an alternative means of transportation, recreation, and linear parks, but should also be viewed as part of homeland security plans. In the event of a disaster, abandoned vehicles would clog highways. These corridors could be used for emergency vehicles and the evacuation of people.

Master planning and inclusion in a comprehensive plan is the key.

Alicia E. Payne

Orange

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Date published: 11/18/2009

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